Aira Villegas is living proof that hard work, grit, and a strong sense of purpose can transform someone from zero to hero.

This Metro Fascinating Woman of 2025’s journey, from growing up in the streets of Tacloban City, selling peanuts and balut, to standing on the Olympic podium in Paris 2024, is nothing short of inspiring. But more than the medals and the accolades, what makes Villegas so incredible is her desire to give back to her family and to the community that raised her. Indeed, she represents what it means to be a fighter in every sense of the word.

Aira Villegas | @adidasph

How Poverty Led Her to Boxing

Villegas didn’t grow up with the comforts that many young girls have. Her family struggled financially, and from a young age, she knew she had to work hard just to help put food on the table.

“Poverty was the main reason why I pursued boxing, aside from my older brother inspiring me to train,” she shared. “I have tried a lot of ways to earn money for us to make ends meet—collecting garbage, washing cars, being a parking attendant, selling peanuts, fish, and balut. But I never let that be a hindrance. I knew I had to strive hard to achieve my dreams.”

@iiamairavillegas

Finding Strength in the Ring

Boxing wasn’t just a sport for Villegas, but it eventually became her ticket to a better life. She felt a strong pull toward the sport after she’d watched her older brother train when they were younger. Soon enough, she found herself in the gym, slowly learning how to throw punches and perfecting her footwork.

With these, she eventually discovered that boxing required more than just physical strength. It demanded discipline, grit, and an incredible amount of heart. 

Breaking Barriers in Boxing

Boxing has long been male-dominated, but Villegas never let that intimidate her.

“I never experienced any challenges playing this male-dominated sport. In fact, the environment I grew up in was very supportive of my chosen sport,” she said.

However, making it to the Paris 2024 Olympics wasn’t easy despite the support. Training was intense, injuries were constant, and there were moments when self-doubt crept in. But Villegas refused to let anything stop her.

“I felt proud of myself because all my efforts paid off, overcoming all the adversities, including managing my injuries, the hard training, and self-doubt,” she reflected.

When she finally stepped onto that podium and heard the Philippine national anthem play, it was more than just a victory. It was a full-circle moment.

She wasn’t just standing there for herself. She was standing there for her family, for her younger self, and for every little girl in the Philippines who dared to dream big.

Changing Lives Beyond the Ring

Villegas’s Olympic win changed her life, but more importantly, it transformed the lives of her beloved family. “I was able to provide my family with a peaceful and comfortable home. Also, I am now capable of giving what my parents need,” she shared.

For a girl who once had to collect garbage, sell balut, and wash cars to survive, being able to take care of her family is among her greatest victories. But she’s not stopping there. Villegas has also made it a priority to give back to her community, especially to young athletes in Tacloban.

She knows what it’s like to start with nothing. And now that she has achieved success, she wants to help others rise, too. “I share my boxing journey with aspiring athletes so that they can be more motivated to work hard for their goals. I’ve also given back to the boxing community in our province,” she said. “I am looking into coaching to share my knowledge in boxing.”

Of Patience and Perseverance

For young Filipinos who dream of excelling in sports, Villegas’s advice is simple: “The only limitation in achieving what you want is your mind and how you think.” 

She also believes that success doesn’t happen overnight. “If you have a dream, you must also have patience. Because good things take time,” she added. “[Also] don’t give up. Be patient [because] everything will come at the right time. If your plan doesn't work, God has a better plan for you.”

She also makes sure to encourage young athletes to develop mental fortitude, to focus on the present. Because in a sport as tough as boxing, the ability to stay grounded and push through setbacks is everything.

“In the last Olympics, no one expected me to win. They just wanted me to experience the feeling of competing. And yet, I not only won but also brought home a medal for the country. Being an underdog is a blessing,” she said.

Banner photo via @adidasph